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Sunnyvale · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale limits accessory structures of 450 square feet or less to 15 feet in height.

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Key points

  • Accessory structures: Sunnyvale limits accessory structures of 450 square feet or less to 15 feet in height.

Each rule below links to the section of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Sunnyvale's code says

Sunnyvale code What Sunnyvale's code adds
Maximum height
  • Accessory structures can be at most 15 feet tall.
    Applies: Structures of 450 square feet or less: open garden features, outdoor equipment, utility buildings or detached living space.
    § 19.40.040 · code text
    Greater than 8 ft. in height up to 15 ft.
Side and rear setback
  • No side or rear setback is required (0 feet).
    Applies: Open garden features up to 8 feet tall and up to 120 square feet.
    § 19.40.040 · code text
    Up to 8 ft. in height and up to 120 sq. ft. | 0 ft. | 0 ft. | 0 ft.
  • Side: the zoning district setback. Rear: at least 10 feet.
    Applies: Open garden features up to 8 feet tall and over 120 square feet, or over 8 feet and up to 15 feet tall.
    § 19.40.040 · code text
    Up to 8 ft. in height and more than 120 sq. ft. | 20 ft. | Zoning setback | 10 ft.
  • No side or rear setback is required (0 feet).
    Applies: Outdoor equipment, utility buildings or detached living space up to 8 feet tall and up to 120 square feet.
    § 19.40.040 · code text
    Up to 8 ft. in height and up to 120 sq. ft. | N/A | 0 ft. | 0 ft.
  • Side: the zoning district setback. Rear: at least 10 feet.
    Applies: Outdoor equipment, utility buildings or living space: up to 8 feet and over 120 square feet, or over 8 up to 15 feet.
    § 19.40.040 · code text
    Greater than 8 ft. in height up to 15 ft. | N/A | Zoning setback | 10 ft.
  • Side: the zoning district setback. Rear: at least 10 feet.
    Applies: Detached required parking garages.
    § 19.40.040 · code text
    Up to 15 ft. in height | 20 ft. | Zoning setback | 10 ft.
  • Side: the zoning district setback. Rear: at least 10 feet.
    Applies: Temporary utility tents up to 15 feet tall.
    § 19.40.040 · code text
    Temporary Utility Tents up to 15 ft. in height. | 20 ft. | Zoning setback | 10 ft.
Distance from the house
  • At least 5 feet from other accessory structures, ADUs or the main building.
    Applies: Detached garages and other detached accessory structures, unless built directly next to the structure.
    § 19.48.040 · code text
    A detached garage or other detached accessory structure shall be located either directly adjacent to the structure or at least five feet away from another accessory structure, accessory dwelling unit or main building.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Sunnyvale?

Sunnyvale limits accessory structures of 450 square feet or less to 15 feet in height.

General information, not legal advice.

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Sunnyvale Municipal Code — full text